Plan Shewing the ascertained deaths from cholera in part of the Parishes of St. James, Westminster, and St. Anne, Soho, during the summer and autumn of 1854 by STANFORD, George - 1874

London: George Stanford, 1874. unbound. Map. Colored engraving. Image measures 31.75 x 23". This rare map presents an tragic look at the regions in the parishes of St. James, Westminster, and St. Anne in Soho that were affected by the cholera epidemic or 'black death' during the 1854 Broad Street Cholera outbreak in London. The map extends from Oxford Street and Recent Circle south to Tichborne Street and east to Dean Street. Two areas are shaded in grey and represent 'Erroneously supposed position of the ancient plague pit shown in the map of the commissioners of sewers" and "Extent of craven estate corresponding with sites of pest-field". The map is detailed to the level of individual buildings, addresses, streets, pumps, sewer gates, side entrances, ventilators etc. Sewers are color-color coded according to year of completion. The map also marks the number of deaths classified by residents and non-residents. The Broad Street cholera outbreak of 1854 was the basis of John Snow's discovery that it was contaminated water and not air that spread cholera. John Snow, a physician at the time, conducted an elaborate investigation, after which he determined the source of the outbreak to be the public water pump at the intersection of Broad street (Broadwick Street) and Cambridge street (Lexington Street). This map reflects some of the work undertaken during the time of his investigations. . This particular map was issued in 1874 "Sixth Report of the Commissioners appointed in 1868 to inquire into the best means of preventing the pollution of rivers. The domestic water supply of Great Britain". The report was presented to both houses of Parliament by command of Her Majesty. The map is in very good condition with minor wear along the folds and some foxing. Map is ripped near top left margin where it was attached to the report with rip extending to the border.